October is Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) awareness month. These days there seems to be an endless flow of information bombarding our brains and being able to sort through it all can be very tiring. If you are a person with ADHD, you are likely aware of the challenges added stress brings to everyday tasks. Historically, “ADHD is one of the best-researched disorders in medicine, and the overall data on its validity are far more compelling than for many medical conditions.” Some of the most frustrating traits of this disease are the intense reactivity to stress and the persistent sleep issues.

Sleep complications are an intrinsic feature of ADHD. According to research, “up to 50 percent of children and 80 percent of adults with ADHD have problems going to sleep, staying asleep, getting restful sleep, and getting up the next morning." These challenge may be due to racing thoughts, restless bodies, or the hyper focus on something stimulating. This lack of sleep can contribute to a stress reaction that intensifies ADHD symptoms. It is important to note that sleep disorders such as sleep apnea can also produce symptoms that look like ADHD.

If you are a person who can identify with all of the above, try some of these methods to address your sleep issues. 

Track your sleep: Track your sleep habits for two weeks. Often we think we are doing better with following a routine and sleep hygiene practices than is really true

Focus your mind: Meditate or use a fan or noise machine to help focus on sleep and mute distractions. Engage in a purposeful “daydream” to relax your mind.

Adjust your inner sundial: Get outside, and make your environment mimic the sunlight for positive associations for restfulness and wakefulness.

For more help with managing ADHD, stress or sleep improvements, contact us in the Ohio State Employee Assistance Program (EAP).  We are here to help!  

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